SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) – A woman has been attacked by a fox in South Kingstown, and environmental officials are testing the animal to see if it’s rabid.

Capt. Jeff Allen says police received a call about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to report that a fox had attacked a woman in the back yard of her home near the University of Rhode Island. The caller said the fox chased the woman for 20 feet before biting her.

Allen says the animal ran into the woods, but came back later.

Department of Environmental Management spokeswoman Gail Mastrati says a DEM officer responded and was able to kill the fox. She says it’s being tested for rabies.

The woman is being treated at South Country Hospital.

AP-ES-07-02-08 1157EDT